Family Tree

By: Barbara Delinsky

Narrated by: Karen White

Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

“Family Tree is warm, rich, textured, and impossible to put down.” (Nora Roberts)

Dana Clarke has always longed for the stability of home and family - her own childhood was not an easy one. Now she has married a man she adores and is about to give birth to their first child. But though her daughter is born beautiful and healthy, no one can help noticing the African American traits in her appearance. Dana’s husband, to her great shock and dismay, begins to worry that people will think Dana has had an affair.

The only way to repair the damage done is for Dana to track down the father she never knew. Dana’s determination to discover the truth becomes a poignant journey back through her past that unearths secrets rooted in prejudice and fear.

Barbara Delinsky’s Family Tree is an utterly unforgettable novel that asks penetrating questions about race, family, and the choices people make in times of crisis - choices having profound consequences that can last for generations.

©2007 Barbara Delinsky (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Delinsky gets the political and personal dynamics right." (Publishers Weekly)

"Delinsky delves deeper into the human heart and spirit with each new novel." (Cincinnati Enquirer)

“The old and illustrious New England Clarke family has a new member and she is not what the family envisioned. Elizabeth Clarke, a beautiful daughter born to Hugh and Dana, possesses definite African-American traits, leaving the parents puzzled and the extended Clarke family scandalized. Now, on what should be a joyous occasion, the birth of their first child, Hugh and Dana are struggling with issues of race, family, and trust. Delinsky often writes with insight about complex family matters, and here adds thought-provoking concerns about race in America to the mix in a novel that will stir debate and inspire self-examination.” (Booklist)

Eye Opening for whites but not for non-whites.

This line says more than any other in the book, "Life is a chronological chain made up of links of Change. Each new one aims the whole in a slightly different direction."
When we see with our eyes and feel with our heart, we make change in our lives.

Wonderful

Barbra Delinsky is a very passionate writer.

Not great literature but will generate discussion

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator was awful. Accents were way off. Characters who were from New England were given country bumpkin accents. Child voices were overplayed. Usually a poor narrator can be ignored after getting into the story. Not this one. It was all I could do to keep listening.

Any additional comments?

The book is one that will generate discussion about race and identity at book groups and for that it serves its purpose.

I AM NOT

Interesting things happen when what you profess knocks at your door and takes up residence. What will you do when your " I AM NOTS" pay an unexpected visit.

Great story evolves

This book started off a little on the slow side for me. As the story began to unfold, I had a difficult time putting down my MP3 player. I wanted to hear more and to see what happens to the characters involved. In the end, I really enjoyed listening to the story and wanted to hear more.

Good twist

I really enjoyed this book. The ending was very good. I wish it would have continued a little further, but all in all it was a good read.

Color blind society?

I had to check the date on this book as it’s ideology seems a bit outdated.
Then on second thought it fit exactly what people who all of a sudden discovers a mixed heritage that they didn’t know about. Especially one where the woman (mother) had an affair that resulted in a child that was pinned on a unsuspecting husband. The question becomes was the husband in the dark or hide the affair once child was born looking white.
The fact that each of these characters had an issue with suspected African roots calling themselves African American was a bit insulting. One was privileged and looked nothing of his heritage. The other was blond and blue eyed with little connection to the disadvantages blacks face daily. Interesting story that shows what happens when colorism arise from past family deeds. We are not a color blind society.

One World Story

It’s a novel telling real-life stories that do enter people’s lives when least expected. The characters are well developed by this author to depict the myriad ways people will respond to these experiences. There’s a lesson showing we are not always who we think we are nor are the people we think we know best. Honesty and integrity can get us through, but it’s LOVE above all else that brings about healing and renewal out of any shock life will present.

very disappointing

very predictible plot and stereotypical characters. no sane, faithful woman would ever forgive her supposedly loving husband for demanding a paternity test right after her child was born. and no new mom I've ever known could get into old jeans TWO days after childbirth. A silly book. don't waste your money.

OK but not great

I have really enjoyed some of Barbara Delinsky's books -- Coast Road and Three Wishes are two of my favorites. This book was OK but not as good as some of her others. She takes on a hard topic, racism, but I don't think she gets past the surface with it.